Honors Algebra II Syllabus / 2012-13 /

Anything on this syllabus can and may be changed at the teacher’s discretion.

Teacher: Ms. Sarah Jones

Course Overview: Welcome to Honors Algebra II. This course is designed for college bound students with strong mathematical skills. In this course we will explore and interpret real-world problems as well as patterns and their representations (expressions, equations and graphs). We will also explain mathematical relationships verbally and symbolically. We will use technology, mostly graphing calculators, that will help you analyze data and recognize patterns more easily.

Throughout Algebra II we will build a mathematical foundation that will make connections among mathematical concepts, across disciplines and in a variety of everyday experiences. The course will help prepare you both for your future math courses and for your future careers. If you bring to class your curiosity and willingness to work hard, then I promise this mathematical journey will reward all you put into it!

Prerequisites:

Do You Know It? / Prerequisite / Number on Pre-Unit Test / Did You Really Know It?
I can do the correct order of operations. / 1, 2
I can multiply monomials and binomials. / 5,6
I can simplify complex algebraic expressions. / 4, 5, 6
I can evaluate functions using function notation algebraically. / 2
I can evaluate functions using function notation graphically. / 3
I can solve one-variable equations. / 8, 9
I can solve simple, multi-variable equations for a given variable. / 10
I can solve one-variable inequalities (U1). / 11
I can solve systems of two linear equations (U1). / 12
I understand standard and slope-intercept forms of a linear equation given two points, a point and a slope, or the graph of an equation. / 7, 13
I can graph linear equations given slope-intercept form. / 7
I can use inductive or deductive reasoning to solve problems. / 12

Course Content/Units:

  1. Linear Equations and Inequalities: The Poetry and Prose of Algebra
  2. What is a Matrix – Really?
  3. Functions, Relations and Conics
  4. Quadratic Equations, Inequalities and Functions
  5. Polynomials
  6. Rational and Radical Expressions and Equations
  7. The Purpose and Predictability of Patterns: Sequences & Series
  8. Exponential and Logarithmic Functions
  9. Probability and Data Analysis
  10. Trigonometry

End of Course Assessment: This is the 2ndyear that the state of Kentucky has implemented the End-of-Course (EOC) Assessment for Algebra II. Gradually, more and more classes will have EOC assessments. This standardized test given at the end of the course will count as 10% of your final grade and will include all of the topics listed in the section above. In order to prepare you for the EOC assessment, all of your unit tests will include questions like those given on the EOC. We will also take practice tests as we get closer to assessment time.

Course Materials:

  • 2 – 3 inch 3-Ring Binder
  • LOTS of Loose Leaf Paper
  • Divider Pages or Tabs
  • Pencils
  • Erasers
  • Graph Paper
  • Graphing Calculator (preferably TI-84plus. If you cannot get a graphing calculator have a scientific calculator but be prepared to stay after school for the assignments that require a graphing calculator so you can use the math department’s calculators. I recommend the TI-30X scientific calculator)
  • Pencil Pouch (to carry pencils and calculator easily in binder)
  • Textbook

Grade Distribution:

Type of Assessment / Percent of Grade
Tests / 40%
Weekly ACT Questions / 10%
Homework/Classwork / 25%
Quizzes and Projects / 25%

Grading Policies:

Tests: Each unit will have a pre-test and a post-test that are exactly the same with the exception that the pre-test will NOT have constructed response question. The unit tests will usually have 15 to 20 multiple choice questions and 1 Constructed Response (openresponse) question. The pre-test will serve two purposes.

  1. I will be able to identify what you have been taught in previous courses so that we do not waste our time learning material you already know. In order for a particular standard to be thrown out, the 80% or more of the class must have the problem that covers that standard correct. However, so that the students who did get that particular question wrong, we will discuss and solve the problem after the pre-test is graded.
  2. You will get a preview of the unit test so that you know exactly what the test will have on it at the end of the unit because it is the exact same test.

In Infinite Campus, the pre-test will show up as a dropped grade so that you and your parents can see your progress from the beginning of the unit to the end. Since the pre-test grade is dropped, it will not affect your grade at all. Only the post-test will count as 40% of your grade. There will be no retakes or test corrections.

Weekly ACT Questions: Three or four multiple-choice ACT questions will be given the first day of each week. These will be due on Friday and not accepted late so that each Monday we can discuss the ACT problems. Each question is worth 2 points - 1 for the correct answer and 1 for the correct work – and can have pre-algebra, algebra I, geometry or algebra II concepts on it. These questions should be done quickly considering on the math portion of the ACT you will only have 1 minute per question. You are expected to work on these on your own time. Working on the Weekly ACT Questions during class usually results in unlearned content because you did not pay attention during the lesson.

*There is a Weekly ACT Questions box/carton with hanging folders. Find the hanging folder for your period and place your paper in it. You may turn in the questions early if you like. This is especially helpful if you know that you will be gone on Friday. If you are absent on a Friday due to an unexpected circumstance, I will drop the grade. I will look on Infinite Campus to see the reason for your absence. Keep in mind, field trips are not an unexpected absence.

Homework/Classwork: Homework will be assigned almost every school day (including weekends) in order to allow you to explore and practice what you are learning. Most homework has one or more of the following purposes:

  • Practice reinforces the learning of material already presented in class and helps you master specific skills.
  • Preparation provides supporting information – history, skills, definitions – for what’s forthcoming. It will help when new material is covered in class.
  • Extension or elaboration involves the transfer of previously learned skills to new situations.
  • Integration asks you to apply skills and concepts to produce a single product.

Unless otherwise specified, homework will be due the following school day at the beginning of the period. I will accept homework 1 day late for half credit (5 points). All homework will be graded on a 10 point scale and I will be looking for you to

  1. Show all calculations and work, even if you do it in your head or on a calculator.
  2. When you get stuck on a problem, solve it as far as you can then write a short explanation of your difficulty.
  3. Use your class notes and textbook as a resource. More than likely, we did a similar problem during the class lesson.
  4. For textbook assignments, use the back of the book (BOB) to check your odd answers for correctness.

At the beginning of each class, approximately 5 minutes, you will have the opportunity to check and correct your homework while I walk around grading. When I am done grading, please ask questions if you need help finishing or correcting a difficult problem. Think of your mistakes as a learning opportunity, for yourself and for others who might have had the same difficulty.

*If class time is provided for any assignment, you are expected to get to work immediately. Even if there is only 5 minutes left of class, that is an opportunity to ask questions on homework that you might not have understood as well as you thought you did.

Quizzes: Quizzes will be given periodically to assess how you, and the class, are doing with the material we have learned. Quizzes will have mostly open-ended questions but will have some multiple-choice.

Projects: We will be using projects to explore extended problems that are relevant to us and have real-world connections. For every project I assign I will provide a scoring rubric that identifies and explains the important components of each project.

Bonus Points: The opportunity will be given to students for bonus points occasionally, but not on an individualized basis. In order to avoid discrimination, please do not ask for bonus work. However, I do accept a maximum of 8 AAA batteries per quarter for 20 homework points. This not only helps the math department save money so we don’t have to charge parents a technology fee, but can also help the student bring up their grade a couple of points that can be a difference between an A and a B. Please do not expect miracles to happen since most of the grade is from tests and quizzes.

Absences and Make-Up Work: According to school policy, you have as many days as you were absent to turn in missed assignments. When you return from an absence, you are responsible for the following:

  • Turning in any homework that was due the day(s) of your absence.
  • Getting the homework assignment(s) you missed and updating your class notebook.
  • Turning in your make-up work.

Classroom Rules: Keep in mind these rules are to maximize your learning opportunity. Most of these rules are the same in every class and are mostly common sense.

  1. Bring course materials to class every day.
  2. Be in class on time. Missed class time is a missed learning opportunity and I will not wait on you to show up.
  3. Be respectful of Ms. Jones and the other students. Talking when the teacher is teaching or when students are asking questions is unacceptable. Insulting others, using crude language, and making perverted or racist comments/jokes will also not be tolerated.
  4. No cell phones. They are distracting, and yes, I can usually tell when you have it in your lap or under the desk.
  5. You may listen to music when given an opportunity to work on an individual basis, usually at the end of class. Please use earphones, but don’t share - it’s gross.
  6. Take care of personal business between classes. You will have 3 hall passes per quarter for emergency uses only. If you must use a hall pass, please make the effort to ask at an opportune time. Being interrupted in the middle of a lesson in very distracting.
  7. Get help when you need it!

Tutoring/Extra Help: If you have a quick question, I have 2nd period planning or you can stop by after school at the 1st dismissal bell. The math department also provides math tutoring after school from the 1st dismissal bell until 4:00. You will need to take your materials and assignments with you so that the tutoring teacher knows what you are working on.

Teacher Contact Info:

Phone: (859)654-3355 ext. 7312e-mail:

Disclaimer:

Please sign and return to Ms. Jones. Keep this syllabus in the front of your Honors Algebra II binder.

I, ______(Student), have read, understand and accept the Honors Algebra II course syllabus and course expectations.

I, ______(Parent/Guardian), have read, understand and accept the Honors Algebra II course syllabus and course expectations.

______

Student Signature Parent/Guardian Signature